Did you know that utilizing rooftop spaces can increase a building’s usable area by up to 25%? Many use it for a rooftop garden, a pool, or simply as a party venue. Commercial rooftops, on the other hand, can serve another very crucial purpose; to safely house large equipment and outdoor units, keeping it safe from public misuse or tampering.
However, a key element therein is using the right support solutions, be it in the form of pipe supports, equipment supports, and/or walkways. With the right equipment supports, the rooftops can be organized, making it safe not only for the equipment, but also leave room for additional activities.
As a result, the world is currently seeing a growing trend for transforming their rooftops into functional spaces. From green roofs to recreational hubs, commercial rooftop support structures are becoming more and more popular by the day.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how you can implement a wide range of solutions to make the most out of your rooftop with the help of PHP Systems/Designs.
A functional rooftop goes beyond merely housing mechanical equipment; it becomes a versatile space that serves multiple purposes. To achieve this, a reliable support system is essential. These systems ensure the safe and efficient placement of HVAC units, solar panels, piping, and other equipment while maintaining the roof's integrity.
The key aspects of a function on rooftop mostly include:
Let’s take a closer look at these components.
Walkways and crossovers are crucial elements of rooftop design, providing safe and easy access for maintenance and inspection activities. They prevent damage to the roof membrane by distributing weight and reducing foot traffic impact.
The primary functions therein include:
Here’s a comparison of the different materials walkways and crossovers are often made of:
|
Material |
Durability |
Weight |
Maintenance |
|
Aluminum |
High |
Lightweight |
Low |
|
Galvanized Steel |
Very High |
Moderate |
Low |
|
Fiberglass |
High |
Lightweight |
Very Low |
Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rooftop standards is essential when designing rooftop support systems. OSHA sets stringent requirements to ensure the safety of workers who access rooftops.
The key requirements to keep in mind include:
Walkways and crossovers help with all three of these requirements. They not only provide safe passage to rooftop workers, they also help maintain a clean, organized outlook for your commercial rooftop.
The future of rooftop support systems lies in sustainable and smart solutions. As technology advances and environmental concerns grow, innovative approaches are being developed to enhance rooftop functionality while reducing environmental impact.
These trends are transforming rooftops into dynamic spaces that contribute to the building's efficiency and sustainability. Key elements for commercial rooftops include:
Green roofs, or living roofs, involve covering the rooftop with vegetation. This not only improves insulation, reducing the need for heating and cooling, but also combats urban heat islands by cooling the air through evapotranspiration.
According to the U.S. General Services Administration, green roofs can reduce a building’s energy use by up to 30% during the summer months. They also provide habitats for wildlife, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve air quality.
Installing renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines on rooftops helps generate clean energy. Solar panels can convert sunlight into electricity, significantly reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Wind turbines, though less common on rooftops, can also contribute to energy generation, especially in areas with consistent wind patterns. The integration of these renewable energy systems not only reduces the building's carbon footprint but also leads to long-term cost savings.
Using recyclable materials in the construction of rooftop support systems ensures that, at the end of their lifecycle, the components can be reused or recycled, reducing waste. Materials like aluminum and certain types of plastics can be recycled, aligning with sustainable building practices.
This approach minimizes the environmental impact and supports the principles of a circular economy, where products are designed for reuse and recycling.
There are several smart technologies as well that are driving the improved functionality of commercial rooftops. These elements can be integrated with pipe supports, walkways, crossways, cable trays, and more to improvement rooftop monitoring.
The Internet of Things (IoT) allows for real-time monitoring of rooftop equipment and support systems. Sensors can be installed to track the performance of HVAC units, solar panels, and other equipment, providing data on energy use, efficiency, and potential issues.
For example, if a sensor detects a drop in efficiency of a solar panel, maintenance can be scheduled promptly to address the issue.
Automated systems enhance the functionality and maintenance of rooftop spaces. These systems can include automated cleaning of solar panels to maintain their efficiency, or robotic inspections of HVAC units to ensure they are operating correctly.
Automated maintenance reduces the need for manual inspections, minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring that the equipment operates at peak efficiency. Additionally, these systems can be programmed to perform regular checks and report anomalies, ensuring continuous optimal performance.
These sustainable and smart solutions help buildings enhance their rooftop functionality. These innovations not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also offer economic benefits. For instance, green roofs and renewable energy installations can reduce energy costs, while IoT monitoring and automated systems lower maintenance expenses and extend the lifespan of rooftop equipment.
Key impacts include:
Transforming rooftops into functional spaces requires innovative support solutions that ensure safety, compliance, and efficiency. Walkways, crossovers, and robust support systems are crucial components in achieving this transformation.
PHP Systems/Design provides a number of different solutions for improving rooftop functionality in the commercial sector. We help integrate innovative solutions as and when needed to improve the overall value of the roof, as well as the value it provides. To learn more about how we can help or get started on your project, call us today at 800.797.6585!